
Theory of Constraints
The Theory of Constraints helps you identify the key limiting factor (often referred to as a bottleneck or a constraint) that prevents you from achieving your goal. Theory of Constraints’ main purpose is to eliminate that constraint. Theory of Constraints is the origin of Theory of Constraints
Dr. Eliyahu goldratt introduced the Theory of Constraints to a broad audience in his 1984 bestseller, “The Goal”. The goal of Theory of Constraints is to continue to improve over time.
The Theory of Constraints posits that complex systems, including manufacturing processes, are made up of multiple linked activities. One of these activities can cause disruption to the entire system (i.e. Theory of Constraints’ goal is to make profits. The Five Focusing Steps are a method that helps you identify and remove constraints.
The Thinking Processes are tools that can help you solve problems and analyze them.
Throughput Accounting – A method to measure performance and guide management decisions.
Frameworks and Methodologies for Project Management
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These five steps are a cyclical process that aims to improve and eliminate bottlenecks on nearly any project. These steps include the following: Identify – Identify the current restriction.
Exploit – Make quick improvements by using existing resources.
Subordinate – Examine all activities to ensure that they meet the constraints.
Elevate – Take action until restraint is removed. This may require large investments in some cases.
Continue – After solving one constraint, continue the cycle and work on any new ones that arise.
The Thinking Processes
The Thinking Processes are used primarily for complex systems that have many activities that depend upon each other. They are scientific “cause-and-effect” tools. They are scientific “cause and effect” tools that help to identify the root causes of unwanted effects (referred to here as UDEs) and remove them without creating new ones.
What should you do to change it?
What actions can be taken to effect change?
Throughput Accounting
The Theory of Constraints is not like traditional accounting, which focuses on reducing expenses but doesn’t limit them. Instead, it focuses more on increasing profit and doesn’t have such limitations. Theory of Constraints states that inventory is a way to tie up cash you can use more productively elsewhere. Theory of Constraints aims to eliminate distortions that promote profit growth. Throughput accounting uses four measures: Net profit
Return on investment
Productivity
Investment turns
There are three main improvements that you should focus on: Will throughput be increased?
Is investment going to be cut?
Are Operating Expenses going to be lower?
Theory of Constraints: The benefits
The Theory of Constraints has one of its most valuable characteristics: It emphasizes the need to improve. When there is an urgent need for improvement